J. Ruth Ponto Obituary (1921 - 2008)

J. RUTH PONTO J. Ruth Ponto, age 86, of Menomonie, WI died Friday, March 14, 2008 at the Spring Valley Health Care Center in Spring Valley, WI. The former Julia Ruth Mitlyng was born August 2, 1921 in the Township of Lucas, Dunn Co., WI to Carleton and Julia (Husby) Mitlyng. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Menomonie and grew up on the west side of Menomonie. She graduated from Menomonie High School and Dunn County Normal. Ruth taught at Blodgett country school for two years before her marriage. She married Lawrence Ponto on May 29, 1943 in Menomonie, where they also made their home. Ruth worked as secretary at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Menomonie until retiring in 1986. She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, participating in the church choir, ladies aide and LWMS. Ruth loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly, and will be sadly missed by her family and friends. In the last years, she has enjoyed the dogs, cats and other animals brought to the nursing home. She also enjoyed wildlife and watching the deer and turkeys. Ruth is survived by: Three children all of Menomonie, Jason (Lois) Ponto Maurice (Sandra) Ponto Serena (Farley) Haase Seven grandchildren, Tony (Allyson) Ponto, Dean (Tabitha) Ponto, Carrie (Andy) Horin, Ken (Andrea) Ponto, Caleb (Liz) Haase, Joel (Tanya) Haase and Janna Haase (special friend Josh Larrieu) Seven great-grandchildren Many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends She was preceded in death by her parents Carleton and Julia Mitlyng, her husband Lawrence in 1987, an infant son Martin Stephen, two brothers, Carleton and Arndt John "Buddy" Mitlyng and a special friend Myrle Lehmann in 2004. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, March 17, 2008 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Menomonie, with Pastor Brett Voigt officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Family and friends are welcome from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com